WILLITON parish council has put its weight behind a plan to outlaw drinking in the village's memorial ground.

The ban follows complaints from local residents of alleged binge drinking, drug taking and rowdy behaviour.

Cllr Bill Gulliford, chairman of the council, said: "This is a serious problem and the police need powers to deal with it."

Cllr Peter Cleer said older people were being intimidated by large groups of youngsters who appeared to be drunk.

"People are distressed by this, and we are failing our public if we do not do something about it."

See tomorrow's County Gazette for more.